Antaresia maculosa or the Spotted Python

The spotted python is a small species of non-venomous python. They can reach around a meter long and up to 1.4 m. As a python, they strangle their prey, which may consist of small mammals, including bats, small birds and some lizards. Spotted pythons like to hang out in rock crevices, caves and sometimes tree hollows.

Although they prefer rocky areas, they can be found in most types of habitat.

The female spotted python lays four to 16 eggs at a time. She will coil around the eggs to warm them by shivering her body. Even though she is cold-blooded, in this way she can raise her body temperature above the surrounding air temperature. Pretty clever lady!

Did you know...

The spotted python is a small species of non-venomous python, growing up to just over 1 metre.

As a python, they strangle (not crush) their prey, which may consist of small mammals, including bats, small birds and some lizards.

Female spotted pythons will lay four to 16 eggs at a time.

She will coil around the eggs to warm them by shivering her body.

Even though she is cold-blooded, in this way she can raise her body temperature above the surrounding air temperature.